COMMISSION 
AGENDA MEMORANDUM                        Item No.          6f 
ACTION ITEM                            Date of Meeting       June 26, 2018 
DATE:     June 25, 2018 
TO:        Port of Seattle Commission 
FROM:    Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director 
SUBJECT:  Employment Settlement  Craig Watson 

Amount of this request:              $500,000 
ACTION REQUESTED 
Request Commission authorization for the Executive Director to enter into a settlement
agreement with Craig Watson for his separation and early retirement from the Port of Seattle
under the terms outlined in a proposed settlement agreement for an amount not to exceed
$500,000. 
JUSTIFICATION 
A recent internal workplace complaint about Craig Watson  was investigated. The Port
determined that the incident was insufficient to support discharge for cause, as required for a
decades-long Port employee. 
The Executive Director and Commission leadership have determined that as a result of the
incident, they have lost trust and confidence in Mr. Watson's ability to carry out his duties and
responsibilities, and are concerned about the inherent conflict of interest if he is permitted to
remain in a position responsible for legal, employment, and workplace conduct matters. The
Executive Director and Commission leadership believe it is in the best interest of the Port to
avoid a contested and expensive disciplinary hearing and potential litigation to resolve this
matter by reaching a compromise for Mr. Watson's separation and early retirement. 
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST 
None. 
PREVIOUS COMMISSION PUBLIC ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS 
None. 


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